A Walk through Ancient Times: Calle Crisologo in Vigan City

Walk through the ancient times as you visit Calle Crisologo in Vigan City.

Calle Crisologo at night

When you mention Vigan here in the Philippines, the first thing that comes to mind would be its famed street that is lined up of old architectural structures built in the Spanish era. That famous location is the Calle Crisologo. Named after a prominent son of Ilocos, Mena Pecson Crisologo, this street is famous for still being preserved to retain its Spanish colonial architecture legacy that makes it a tourist attraction in the Philippines.

What you can mostly see here in Calle Crisologo are souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and hotels which are previously ancestral homes of well-known figures in the past. It is also where you can find the best products to buy in Vigan, ranging from food, snacks, up to hand-woven items. Also, what completes the Calle Crisologo look would be the horse carriages or what the local calls as “calesa.” These carriages are used as transportation for tourists or even locals to get to one place or another. There are also calesa tours operating in the area where you can hire your own to see the other famous attractions around the town.

Souvenir shops, ice cream vendors, tourists at Calle Crisologo by day

These bricked walls of Calle Crisologo are a perfect spot to take photos because of its scenic background. These houses, reminiscent of those you see in history books, have survived many calamities that have struck the region because of its strong walls. Its architectural style was built not only for splendor but also for survival. Calle Crisologo is most especially beautiful at night as the dimly lit cobblestone streets are brightened up by aesthetic lamps in the area, perfect for those who want to stay the night.

The length of Calle Crisologo is not passable by a vehicle which is why you’d see tourists freely taking photos along the street. You can park your cars just a few meters away from the street, or better yet park it in your hotel’s parking lot. If you wish to see the beauty of Calle Crisologo every day, you can always opt to stay at hotels found along this famous street, or dine in at ancestral houses-turned-cafes where you can try delicious Vigan food.

Here’s a tip: visit the place during the early morning or by late afternoon so it’s not too humid. Have a great historical tour at the Calle Crisologo!